Combating health inequities

The Problem with Homogeneity in Research

In a profession that hopes to “maximize health, well-being, and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities,” a lack of representation of diverse perspectives in research is particularly detrimental to our ability to provide equitable care (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2017). Because questions and solutions are often tailored toward those included in research rather than the actual population, disproportionate representation limits the generalizability and applicability of research questions and outcomes to specific populations. When the individuals with the power to select scientific questions and lines of research fail to represent diverse experiences and cultures, we risk having bias in the interventions, research approaches, and outcomes. Thus, disproportionate representation perpetuates health inequities.